To throw. Potters at Marshall Pottery in Texas describe their work at the potters wheel as turning. They understand only the modern meaning of to throw and do not use it to describe their work. However, the Old English word thrawan from which to throw comes, means to twist or turn. Going back even farther, the Indo-European root *ter- means to rub, rub by twisting, twist, turn. The German word drehen, a direct relative of to throw, means turn and is used in German for throwing. Because the activity of forming pots on the wheel has not changed since Old English times, the word throw has retained its original meaning in the language of pottery but has developed a completely different meaning in everyday usage. Those who say they throw pots are using the historically correct term. Those who say they turn pots are using more current language. Both are saying the same thing.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Throwing Pots
In our pottery class a couple of weeks ago, someone asked the teacher where the term "throwing a pot" came from. I had never noticed the strange terminology before. The teacher had noticed, but didn't know where the term originated from. After my last post, the "throwing" just seemed too weird. I did a in depth investigation (google) on the strange term and found the following article. 
To throw. Potters at Marshall Pottery in Texas describe their work at the potters wheel as turning. They understand only the modern meaning of to throw and do not use it to describe their work. However, the Old English word thrawan from which to throw comes, means to twist or turn. Going back even farther, the Indo-European root *ter- means to rub, rub by twisting, twist, turn. The German word drehen, a direct relative of to throw, means turn and is used in German for throwing. Because the activity of forming pots on the wheel has not changed since Old English times, the word throw has retained its original meaning in the language of pottery but has developed a completely different meaning in everyday usage. Those who say they throw pots are using the historically correct term. Those who say they turn pots are using more current language. Both are saying the same thing.
To throw. Potters at Marshall Pottery in Texas describe their work at the potters wheel as turning. They understand only the modern meaning of to throw and do not use it to describe their work. However, the Old English word thrawan from which to throw comes, means to twist or turn. Going back even farther, the Indo-European root *ter- means to rub, rub by twisting, twist, turn. The German word drehen, a direct relative of to throw, means turn and is used in German for throwing. Because the activity of forming pots on the wheel has not changed since Old English times, the word throw has retained its original meaning in the language of pottery but has developed a completely different meaning in everyday usage. Those who say they throw pots are using the historically correct term. Those who say they turn pots are using more current language. Both are saying the same thing.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Learning to Throw
I'm learning how to throw pots and Mom is re-learning. It's slow going. Most of what we make is not worth firing and therefore made back into clay. Actually none of it is really worth firing, but we need to learn how to use our kiln as well!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Early Morning Coffee
The big thing to do while visiting my grandma in Lubbock is to sit out on her patio for morning coffee. Here is my brother passing on the tradition. I've probably have said it before, but sitting around drinking coffee in the mornings is one of my most favorite things!Tuesday, July 13, 2010
To the Tip-Tippity-Top...Nearly
My cousin and I attempted the 10 mile hike to New Mexico's highest peak - Wheeler Peak 13,161 ft. We took the Lost Lake, Horseshoe Lake route.
Horseshoe Lake
We made it to the ridge where you could look over and see Taos ski valley. We just had a little bit left to go to make it to the top, but this was as far as we made it. 
The long walk of shame back home - at least it was beautiful!
Horseshoe Lake
We made it to the ridge where you could look over and see Taos ski valley. We just had a little bit left to go to make it to the top, but this was as far as we made it.
The long walk of shame back home - at least it was beautiful!
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